Where Are They Now?

In our latest ‘Where Are They Now?’ feature we talk to Tom King, former Tweenhills Stallion Groom and now part of an exciting venture with his brother Charlie: Heritage Thoroughbreds at Manton Park Stud near Marlborough.

King of Tweenhills

“I worked at Tweenhills for a number of years. This was back when Havana Gold’s first crop were hitting the track, which included Havana Grey. Harbour Watch was there and Charm Spirit had arrived. Then later in my Tweenhills career we had Zoustar come from Down Under, and the champ Roaring Lion and Lightning Spear joined the team.

Travel well 

“Before Tweenhills, I had completed the National Stud Diploma Course in Newmarket. Thereafter I got some travelling in: I worked with yearlings at Haras d’Etreham in France, yearlings at Eliza Park, which is now Widden Victoria, and I worked at Bellerive Stud which was an arm of Arrowfield in the Hunter Valley. I also shadowed bloodstock agents, vets in Newmarket, the clerk of the course at Doncaster and anyone else who would be willing to teach me! In addition, I was Pupil Assistant to Jean-Claude Rouget in France.

“Obviously Tweenhills caters for all types of bloodstock: foals, broodmares, yearlings, spellers and stallions. You learn in all areas! I learnt a lot off Ben Hyde who was managing the stud at the time; learnt plenty off David [Redvers] and the whole team given they had a varied background. Two points jump out to me: managing young foals with the farrier Fred – who we use now with Heritage Thoroughbreds – was very interesting and managing the land and paddocks.

Charm offensive

“Some horses that stand out were the likes of Classic winners Just The Judge and Simple Verse, and then obviously the stallions are all well known. Charm Spirit in particular taught me more about how stallions behave more than any horse I’ve dealt with!

“The Tweenhills team has some great characters – I’ve got some funny memories, though maybe not all to put in print! The feed rounds were always fun in the summer. Actually, the work in general was rewarding and lots of laugh out loud moments. Pub on a Friday was entertaining; golf days in the evenings at nearby Highnam; rugby at Gloucester. Plenty of fond memories.

“Working at Tweenhills undoubtedly shaped my career. It’s difficult to say in which area in particular, but it definitely helped mould me into who I am now and working with horses on our own place. Charlie and I look up to the likes of DR and others who are managing large properties; we’ve taken an awful lot from everyone we have worked for.

New men of Manton 

“Charlie and I are based at Manton Park Stud and there is plenty of scope for growth. However, at the moment we are in the initial stage of building a solid foundation for our business. We’ve been very fortunate that some really top bloodstock operations have put trust in us to look after their stock. All being well, we’ll establish a sales consignment next year and start our own bloodstock portfolio in the near future. We would love to do it all – I just need a few more zeros at the end of my bank balance!

Hobby horse

“I can’t say I get a great deal of free time at the moment as we’re pouring ourselves into the business. If I can get away, then it normally involves golf and cricket in the summer – and racing obviously. I love going to a rugby match, especially at Twickenham. My fiancé and I enjoy the theatre too. And I’d love to do some travelling with work, especially Australia.

Horses to follow

“Seacruiser looked smart for Mr Beckett at Newmarket. We have Tuscan Hills and Benevento on the ranch – they both look to have bright futures for Amo Racing. Gun of Brixton in France looked classy; we haven’t seen him since July so not sure what’s happened to him, but he has a hell of a pedigree. Qatar Racing must have a nice one in Australia called West of Swindon…by Wootton Bassett. He was 2^nd in a Gr.3 on 2yo debut last month.”